In a major breakthrough, Las Vegas police announced on Friday that they have made an arrest in the high-profile cold case of rapper Tupac Shakur's death. Duane Keith Davis, also known as “Keefy D” or "Keffe D," has been indicted on a murder charge in connection with the drive-by shooting that took the life of Shakur almost 30 years ago. Davis, a former Los Angeles gang leader, had recently published a self-published memoir in which he boasted about his involvement as an eyewitness to the shooting.

The arrest comes as a surprise to few, as Davis had been publicly discussing his role in the shooting since 2018. In his memoir, titled "Compton Street Legend," Davis claimed that the altercation between Shakur and a member of a rival gang in Compton had led him to devise a plan to retaliate against Shakur and Marion “Suge” Knight, the founder of Death Row Records. Davis allegedly provided the gun to passengers in the rear seat of the white Cadillac that pursued Shakur's BMW and opened fire, ultimately causing his death.

For years, Shakur's family, fans, and members of the Black community had expressed skepticism and frustration with the investigation into his death. Despite the media coverage and ongoing rap rivalry conspiracies, no charges had ever been filed in the case. The lack of progress in the investigation, coupled with the deaths of key witnesses and alleged assailants, had fueled speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding his killing.

The late rapper, born in New York and raised in Baltimore before moving to California, achieved significant success in the 1990s under the name 2Pac. With hits like "Keep Ya Head Up," "Dear Mama," and "California Love," Shakur became an influential figure in the hip-hop community. He also ventured into acting, starring in films such as “Juice” and "Poetic Justice."

On the night of his death, Shakur attended a boxing match with Knight, who was driving the BMW that Shakur was riding in. As they waited at a red light near the Las Vegas Strip, a white Cadillac pulled up beside them and opened fire, striking Shakur four times. He succumbed to his injuries six days later at the age of 25.

The investigation into Shakur's murder faced numerous challenges over the years. Experts, including retired NYPD detective Derrick Parker, have pointed out that Las Vegas investigators lacked familiarity with the rap scene and gangs, which hindered their progress. Mistrust of the police and witnesses' fear of coming forward also played a role in the case's stagnation.

The renewed interest in Shakur's case has sparked debates about the motives behind his murder. Some have speculated that it was connected to the East Coast-West Coast rap feud involving the Notorious B.I.G., who was also slain in a drive-by shooting six months after Shakur's death. Though some investigators have accused Knight of ordering a hit on the Notorious B.I.G., he has denied any involvement, and his murder remains unsolved.

As Davis awaits trial, the case against Shakur's killer may finally bring closure to a tragedy that has haunted the hip-hop community for decades. However, questions about the lengthy delay in bringing the killer to justice persist. Mark Anthony Neal, a professor of African and African American studies, emphasizes the need for closure for Shakur's legacy and laments the loss of a talented artist who had so much promise.